Chargers-Broncos rematch of 2012 lines up nearly identical with 2009

In 2009, the Broncos dominated the Chargers in San Diego, 34-23 in week 6 of the season. In that game, the Broncos pressured Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers into five sacks while holding San Diego’s running game to just 73 yards on 3.5 yards per carry.

The win improved the Broncos’ record to 6-0.

Thirty-four days later, in game 10 of the 2009 season, Rivers did little more than throw short passes off three-step drops and the Chargers concentrated on running the ball. Rivers completed 17 of 22 for only 145 yards, but he was never sacked and the Chargers rushed for 203 yards in an easy 32-3 win.

The loss dropped the Broncos record to 6-4.

We move three years ahead. The Broncos rallied in the second half to defeat the Chargers in San Diego, 35-24 in week 6 of the season. Same week as 2009, and nearly an identical score. The Broncos sacked Rivers four times and harrassed him into committing six turnovers. The Chargers only rushed for 90 yards on 3.3 yards per carry.
Ag
And so we move ahead, again to game 10. Again it’s the Chargers at Denver. Again the Broncos are 6-3. My guess? Rivers tries to mix short passes off quick drops while the Chargers try to get their running game going this Sunday.

Good Call. Hope Fox and Del Rio have looked at Norvs playbook from that game. I think we have the front seven to shut that approach down this time. If we can just keep Gates from getting off of the line.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.